Torch device

ABSTRACT

A torch device is provided. The torch device includes an elongated member and a support member attached adjacent one end of the elongated member. A receiving container is connected to the elongated member by the support member. The receiving container includes a side wall portion and a base wall portion connected to the side wall portion and defines a cup-like receiving chamber within the side wall portion for holding an associated fluid. A seal between the side wall portion and the base wall portion for preventing the associated fluid from escaping the receiving chamber by passing between the side wall portion and the base wall portion is provided. A wick is partially received within the receiving chamber and partially extends outward therefrom.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and hereby expressly incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/306,016, filed on Jul. 17, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a decorative torch, and more particularly, to an improved torch device for use as an aesthetically pleasing decoration in a garden, on or near an outdoor deck, or on a tabletop and/or for use as a lighting source, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is also amenable to other like applications.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Art

[0005] Torch devices are well known and have been very successful commercially. In general, torch devices include a receiving container for storing flammable fuel such as lamp oil, kerosene, or the like and a wick for burning a controlled amount of the flammable fuel. A pole or other elongated holding device may be used to elevate the receiving container to a desired height and a wick-holder assembly may be used to maintain the wick in a desired position within the receiving container.

[0006] The receiving container is often a cylindrical pipe-like piece closed at one end by a cap or plug. In known torch devices, the cap or plug is often press-fit onto one end of the cylindrical piece. One of the problems encountered with such a press-fit connection is leakage of the flammable fluid between the cylindrical piece and the cap or plug. There are many reasons why such a leak may occur. For example, the dimensions of the cylindrical piece and/or the cap or plug may not be within tolerance leaving a gap therebetween upon connection. Thus, there is a need for a torch device having a leak-proof receiving container.

[0007] Another problem with prior art torch devices is that when accidentally knocked over the flammable fluid of the receiving container spills out. The rate of the spill and the amount of the spill are uncontrolled. Thus, the result of a spill is a quick and complete evacuation of the flammable fluid from the receiving container. There is a need for a torch device that reduces or eliminates the rate of spillage flow of flammable fluid when the torch device is knocked over. Also, there is a need for a torch device that eliminates or reduces the amount of flammable fluid capable of exiting the receiving container when the torch device is accidentally knocked over.

[0008] Yet another problem with known torch devices is that wicking flammable oil leaks from the wick-holder assembly during operation of these torch devices. More particularly, wicking flammable fluid transfers away from the wick to the wick-holder assembly. From the wick-holder assembly, the wicked flammable fluid drains down the outside of the receiving container. Of course, it is undesirable to have flammable fluid dripping down the outside of the receiving container and, therefore, there is a need for a torch device that prevents such undesirable dripping.

[0009] The present invention provides an improved torch device for minimizing the above-referenced and other disadvantages of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a new and improved torch device is provided. More particularly, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the torch device includes an elongated member and a support member attached adjacent one end of the elongated member. A receiving container is connected to the elongated member by the support member. The receiving container includes a side wall portion and a base portion connected to the side wall portion and defining a receiving chamber within the side wall portion for holding an associated fluid. The receiving container further includes a seal between the side wall portion and the base wall portion for preventing the associated fluid from escaping the receiving chamber by passing between the side wall portion and the base wall portion. A wick is partially received within the receiving chamber and partially extends outward therefrom.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a fluid receiving container for use with an associated torch apparatus is provided. More particularly, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the container includes a tubular body portion and a plug for closing one end of the tubular body portion thereby defining a fluid receiving cavity with an open end opposite the plug. A membrane for impermeably sealing between the fluid receiving cavity and the plug is positioned adjacent the plug.

[0012] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a fluid receiving container for use with an associated torch apparatus is provided. More particularly, is accordance with this aspect of the invention, the container includes a side wall portion and a base portion connected to the side wall portion. The base portion and the side wall portion together define a receiving chamber having an open end spaced apart from the base portion. A lid is connected to the side wall portion to close the open end of the receiving chamber. The lid includes an aperture and a bushing supported in the lid aperture. The bushing includes a throughhole for allowing a wick to pass therethrough and a tapered countersink adjacent an end of the throughhole that is adjacent the receiving chamber. The countersink and an adjacent end face of the bushing cooperatively collect excess fluid contained in the wick and return said collected excess fluid to the receiving chamber.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a new and improved method of constructing a torch device is provided. More particularly, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the method includes the step of providing an elongated member. A support member is connected to one end of the elongated member. A receiving container is constructed including the sub-steps of providing a tubular portion. A plug is pressed into one end of the tubular portion to create a cup-shaped housing that defines a cavity having an open, upper end spaced apart from the plug. A liquid adhesive is applied to the plug in the cavity such that after curing it will form a sealing membrane between the cavity and the plug. The constructed receiving container is seated in a seating cavity of the support member. A wick is positioned in the receiving container cavity and is allowed to protrude therefrom.

[0014] One advantage of the present invention is that it prevents fuel leakage from an underside of the torch device.

[0015] Another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces the rate of fuel leakage from a topside of the torch device should the torch device be knocked over.

[0016] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces the amount of fuel capable of leaking from a topside of the torch device should the torch device be knocked over.

[0017] Still yet another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces the amount of fuel that leaks down the outside of the torch device due to undesirable wicking.

[0018] Still further advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The structure, operation and advantages of the presently preferred embodiment of this invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Of course, the drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred torch device in accordance with the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the preferred torch device shown in FIG. 1 showing a cap-supported membrane and a spill guard.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another preferred torch device in accordance with the present invention showing a wick holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] With reference to FIG. 1, an improved torch device is generally shown by reference numeral 10. The improved torch device or apparatus 10 comprises a cylindrical receiving container 12, a wick 14, and an elongated member 16. The receiving container 12 is connected to the elongated member 16 by an appropriately sized first reducer 18, also referred to herein as a support member. The support member 18 is attached to the elongated member 16 adjacent one end of the elongated member 16. The receiving container 12 is selectively detachable from the elongated member 16, in the preferred embodiment, by a removable connection between the support member 18 and the receiving container 12 as will be described in more detail below. The wick 14 is held in an axial center of the receiving container 12 by a second reducer or lid 20.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 2, the receiving container 12 includes a side wall or body portion 21 and a cap or plug 22 positioned at one end of the side wall portion 21 to form a fluid-receiving chamber 24. More specifically, the base portion or plug 22 is connected to the side wall portion 21 closing one end of the side wall portion 21 while leaving a second end (opposite the plug) of the side wall portion 21 open thereby defining the cup-like cavity or chamber 24 adapted to hold an associated fluid fuel. The wick 14 is partially received within the chamber 24 and partially extends outward from the chamber 24. The side wall portion 21 may be a tubular member such as a section of copper tubing or any other suitable material. The plug 22 is press-fit into the one end of the side wall portion 21 as illustrated. The plug 22 may be constructed of any material, copper in an exemplary embodiment, that is not detrimentally reactive with the side wall portion 21.

[0025] The plug 22 is generally cup-shaped and includes a generally planar section 30 and an integrally formed peripheral side wall or annular skirt 26 extending around the circumference of the plug 22 and depending from the planar section 30 for engaging an interior side 28 of the receiving container 12. More specifically, the circumferential side wall 26 is sized such that it will seat firmly within the receiving container 12 abutting the side wall portion 21 without deforming the outside diameter of the receiving container 12, i.e., the side wall 26 has an outer diameter that substantially matches an inner diameter of the side wall portion 21 of the receiving container 12. The planar section or support wall 30 is oriented approximately normal to a longitudinal axis of the receiving container 12 and forms a base of the fluid receiving chamber 24. A rounded surface or outer radius 32 connects the side wall 26 and the support wall 30. Thus, the outer radius 32 is formed at the intersection of the side wall 26 and the planar surface 30. The outer radius 32 and the side wall portion 21 of the receiving container 12 together form a retaining pocket 33. In the embodiment shown, the plug 22 is positioned adjacent one end of the side wall portion 21. However, the plug 22 can be positioned at any location along the length of the side wall portion 21 spaced apart from the open end to define various sized receiving chambers.

[0026] The second reducer or lid 20 is removably secured to the open end of the receiving container 12. More particularly, the lid 20 includes a large aperture section 34 at a first end for fitting around the outside diameter of the receiving container 12. The lid 20 also includes a small aperture section 36 at the other, second end for receiving and securing the wick 14. The lid 20 can be a conventional pipe reducer sized to appropriately connect to the receiving container 12 at one end and to snugly receive the wick 14 at the other end. Alternatively, two or more pipe reducers connected in series can be used to form the lid 20. Of course, other lid designs are contemplated and all such designs are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] The wick 14 is inserted in a small aperture defined by the small aperture section 36 of the lid 20 and extends into the receiving container 12 along or generally near an axial center of the receiving container 12. In the preferred embodiment, the plug 22 is positioned within the receiving container 12 such that the wick 14 extends nearly to the plug 22. Thus, the wick 14 is partially received within the chamber 24 and partially extends outward from the chamber 24 through the lid 20.

[0028] In prior art devices, the aforementioned assembly completed the primary structural components of the torch 10. The lid 20 and wick 14 were removed to gain access to the fuel receiving chamber 24. A liquid fuel was poured into the receiving container 12 to occupy at least a portion of the fluid receiving chamber 24. The press-fit connection between the plug 22 and the receiving container 12 was relied upon to prevent the fuel from escaping out the bottom of the torch 10. Unfortunately, the press-fit connection was not always reliable and often did not prevent the fuel from escaping the receiving chamber 24 by passing between the side wall portion 21 and the plug 22.

[0029] The improved torch 10 of the present invention additionally includes a means for sealing the connection between the side wall portion 21 and the plug 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for sealing is a seal such as membrane 38. The membrane 38 is positioned within the fluid receiving chamber 24 at the base of the fluid receiving chamber 24 (adjacent the plug 22) and forms a fluid impermeable seal between the plug 22 and the side wall portion 21. Thus, the membrane 38 seals between the side wall portion 21 and the planar section 30 to prevent fluid held in the chamber 24 from escaping therefrom by passing between the side wall portion 21 and the planar surface 30. The membrane 38 adheres or bonds to the interior or inner wall 28 of the receiving container side wall 21, the support wall 30 and the rounded surface 32 of the plug 22. Further, the membrane 38 fills the retaining pocket 33. The membrane or diaphragm 38 extends across the entire cross-section of the side wall 21 to form a barrier or impermeable wall between the chamber 24 and the base wall portion or planar surface 30 of the plug 22. Additionally, the membrane 38 is supported on and rests against the support wall 30 of the plug 22 when the receiving container 12 is vertically oriented with its open end positioned upward.

[0030] The membrane 38 is added to the torch 10 after the plug 22 is press-fit into the receiving container 12. More specifically, the membrane 38, in a liquid, pre-applied form, is injected into the receiving container 12 by means of a syringe or the like. The membrane 38 is then allowed to cure or dry. While drying, the membrane 38 expands to snugly fill the space between the rounded surface 32 and the interior wall 28. After drying, the membrane 38 has become a hardened membrane seal that adheres or bonds to the receiving container 12 and the plug 22 thereby creating a seal therebetween.

[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the membrane 38 is formed from POR-15 RUST PREVENTATIVE PAINT available from RestoMotive Laboratories, Inc. of Morristown, N.J. However, other suitable materials can be substituted that maintain similar adhesive/bonding and sealing qualities.

[0032] Another improvement to the torch 10 of the present invention is the inclusion of the a spill guard 40. The spill guard 40 is press-fit into the open, second end of the receiving container 12 opposite the plug 22. Thus, the spill guard 40 is connected to the side wall portion 21 adjacent the open end of the receiving chamber, opposite and spaced apart from the plug 22. The spill guard 40 is a generally frustoconically-shaped piece having a large peripheral flange 42 extending from a wide-end of the frustoconically-shaped piece and a small flange 44 extending from the small or narrow-end of the frustoconically-shaped piece of the spill guard 40. The small flange 44 surrounds a generally centrally located aperture 46 that receives and supports the wick 14 therethrough. More specifically, the aperture 46 is sized to snugly receive the wick 14 thereby preventing fluid from being able to escape the receiving chamber through the open end without passing through the wick 14. The tapered surface of the frustoconical spill guard 40 facilitates the filling of the chamber 24.

[0033] To prepare the torch 10 for use with the membrane 38 in place, the lid 20 and wick 14 are removed. A flammable liquid or fuel is poured into the fluid receiving chamber 24 through the aperture 46 of the spill guard 40. Upon filling a portion of the chamber 24 with fuel, the lid 20 is replaced with the wick 14 extending into the fuel for absorption thereof. The wick 14 can then be lit and will burn until substantially all the fuel is absorbed by the wick 14 and burned.

[0034] The spill guard 40 acts to prevent fuel leakage if the torch 10 is positioned in a horizontal orientation such as might happen if the torch 10, and specifically, the receiving container 12, is accidentally knocked over. More specifically, the combination of the wick 14 and the spill guard 40 serves as a barrier to trap the fuel within the receiving container 12. If the wick 14 is not in place and the torch 10 is knocked over, the spill guard 40 still serves a mitigating function. The spill guard 40 will reduce the rate of fuel exiting or evacuating from the receiving container 12. That is, the aperture 46 is smaller than the diameter of the receiving container 12 so less fuel can escape from the receiving container 12 over a given period of time. Also, the spill guard 40 limits the amount of fuel that escapes after an accidental knock over. A portion of the fuel will remain trapped in the receiving container 12 because the centrally located aperture 46 of the spill guard 40 is radially offset relative to the interior walls of the receiving container 12.

[0035] With reference back to FIG. 1, the elongated member 16 is connected to the receiving container 12 by the appropriately sized reducer 18. The elongated member 16 can be a length of copper pipe and the reducer 18 can be a conventional-type reducer sized to connect the elongated member 16 to the receiving container 12. The connection between the reducer 18 and the receiving container 12 is intentionally unsoldered and made without adhesives or the like. This removable connection allows the receiving container 12 to be removed from the elongated member 16 and transported to a convenient location for refilling with fuel. However, it is contemplated that alternate embodiments could be made wherein the receiving container 12 is permanently secured to the support member 18.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 3, in an alternate embodiment, the torch 10 includes a bushing or wick holder 50 positioned within a small aperture 52 of a lid 54. A shoulder 56 of the lid 54 supports the wick holder 50. The wick holder 50 includes a wick opening 58 adjacent an upper end of the wick holder 50 and having a diameter substantially similar to a diameter of the wick 14 for receiving and holding the wick 14. Bored into a first end 60 of the wick holder, the end that is resting on the shoulder 56 of the lid 54, is an aperture or countersink having a tapered surface 62 connected to the wick opening 58. More specifically, a throughhole communicates the wick opening 58 to the countersink. The tapered surface 62 facilitates insertion of the wick 14 into the throughhole of the wick holder 50. Thus, when the wick 14 is forced into the wick holder 50, the tapered surface 62 guides a portion of the wick 14 into and through the throughhole. Surrounding the tapered surface 62, the first end 60 forms a radial annular surface 64.

[0037] Of particular importance, the thickness of the radial annular surface 64 is such that a droplet of fuel is capable of forming thereon. More specifically, as fuel wicks up through the wick 14 to be burned, a portion of the unburned fuel transfers to the element or piece that holds the wick 14, in this embodiment the wick holder 50. More specifically, the unburned fuel transfers to the tapered surface 62 and to the annular surface 64. In some prior art torches, such as those not utilizing a wick holder 50, fuel would transfer directly to the lid and can flow down the lid to the outside of the receiving container 12. Such fuel flow is, of course, undesirable because this fuel would no longer be contained by the torch. In the present invention, the annular surface 64 of the wick holder 50 permits the fuel to form droplets thereon and drip back into the receiving container 12, as opposed to transferring to the lid and flowing down the outside of the receiving container.

[0038] Many components of the torch device 10, in all the aforementioned embodiments, may be constructed from standard copper plumbing pipe and associated copper fittings. The torch device 10, when constructed of copper plumbing pipe material, results in a strong, virtually permanent fixture that will weather and age to yield a copper green patina, or may be coated with a clear covering to maintain its original shiny copper finish. Alternatively, the fixture material can be painted or otherwise colored into any other color, such as green, black, brown, or yellow.

[0039] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

Having thus described the preferred embodiments, the invention is now claimed to be:
 1. A torch device comprising: an elongated member; a support member attached adjacent one end of said elongated member; a receiving container connected to said elongated member by said support member, said receiving container including: a side wall portion, a base portion connected to said side wall portion thereby defining a receiving chamber within said side wall portion for holding an associated fluid, and a seal between the side wall portion and the base wall portion prevents the associated fluid from escaping the receiving chamber by passing between the side wall portion and the base wall portion; and a wick partially received within said receiving chamber and partially extending outward therefrom.
 2. The torch device of claim 1 wherein the receiving container is selectively detachable from the elongated member.
 3. The torch device of claim 1 wherein the side wall portion is a tubular member.
 4. The torch device of claim 3 wherein the base portion includes a generally planar section and an annular skirt depending therefrom, said annular skirt having an outer diameter that substantially matches an inner diameter of said tubular member.
 5. The torch device of claim 4 wherein the seal is positioned in the receiving chamber and adjacent the base portion.
 6. The torch device of claim 5 wherein the seal adheres to an inner wall of the tubular member and extends across an entire cross-section of the tubular member.
 7. The torch device of claim 1 wherein the seal is a membrane that rests against the base portion and adheres to the side wall portion forming a barrier between the receiving chamber and the base wall portion of the receiving container.
 8. The torch device of claim 1 wherein the seal is a diaphragm that adheres to the side wall portion and the base wall portion to form an impermeable wall for the associated fluid held in the receiving chamber.
 9. The torch device of claim 1 further including: a spill guard connected to said side wall portion adjacent an end of the receiving chamber opposite the base portion, the spill guard defining an aperture therethrough that is appropriately sized to allow the wick to pass through the spill guard.
 10. The torch device of claim 9 wherein the spill guard aperture is sized to snugly receive the wick thereby preventing fluid from being able to escape the receiving chamber without passing through the wick.
 11. The torch device of claim 9 wherein the spill guard aperture is generally centrally located on the spill guard to restrict the evacuation of an associated fluid from the chamber when the receiving container is in a horizontal orientation.
 12. The torch device of claim 1 further including: a lid connected to an open end of the receiving container and having an opening for allowing the wick to pass through the lid.
 13. The torch device of claim 12 wherein the lid includes a wick holder for reducing the ability of an associated fluid from wicking up the wick and dripping down an exterior of the receiving container, the wick holder having a first, upper opening having a diameter substantially similar to a diameter of the wick and a second, lower opening in communication with the first opening, the second opening is a tapered countersink opening that provides a surface for fluid wicking up the wick to adhere to and drip back into the receiving container.
 14. A fluid receiving container for use with an associated torch apparatus, the container comprising: a tubular body portion; a plug for closing one end of the tubular body portion thereby defining a fluid receiving cavity with an open end opposite the plug; a membrane for impermeably sealing between the fluid receiving cavity and the plug, the membrane positioned adjacent the plug.
 15. The fluid receiving container of claim 14 wherein the plug is cup-shaped and has a circumferential side wall abutting an inner side of the tubular body portion and a generally planar surface formed integrally with the circumferential side wall, said planar surface oriented approximately normal to an axis of said tubular body portion for substantially closing said open end of the tubular body portion.
 16. The fluid receiving container of claim 15 wherein the plug includes an outer radius adjacent an intersection between said planar surface and said circumferential side wall, said outer radius and said inner side of said tubular body portion defining a membrane retaining pocket.
 17. The fluid receiving container of claim 16 wherein said membrane is supported by said planar surface, substantially filling said membrane retaining pocket, and attaches to said inner wall of said tubular body portion along an entire inner circumference of said tubular body portion.
 18. The fluid receiving apparatus of claim 14 wherein said membrane is formed by application of a rust preventative paint compound.
 19. The fluid receiving apparatus of claim 14 wherein said membrane is bonded to said tubular body portion and said plug.
 20. A fluid receiving container for use with an associated torch apparatus, the container comprising: a side wall portion; a base portion connected to the side wall portion, the base portion and the side wall portion together defining a receiving chamber having an open end spaced apart from the base portion; a lid connected to the side wall portion to close the open end of the receiving chamber, said lid including an aperture and a bushing supported in said lid aperture, said bushing including a throughhole for allowing a wick to pass therethrough and a tapered countersink adjacent an end of said throughhole that is adjacent the receiving chamber, said countersink and an adjacent end face of said bushing cooperatively collecting said collected excess fluid contained in said wick and returning said collected excess fluid to the receiving chamber.
 21. The fluid receiving container of claim 20 wherein the end face is annular about the countersink and of sufficient thickness to permit fluid droplets to form thereon when an associated fluid received in the receiving chamber is a flammable fluid.
 22. The fluid receiving container of claim 20 wherein said lid includes a shoulder for supporting said bushing.
 23. A method of constructing a torch device comprising: providing an elongated member; connecting a support member to one end of the elongated member; constructing a receiving container including the sub-steps of: providing a tubular portion; pressing a plug into one end of the tubular portion to create a cup-shaped housing that defines a cavity having an open, upper end spaced apart from said plug; applying a liquid adhesive to the plug in the cavity that after curing will form a sealing membrane between the cavity and the plug; seating the constructed receiving container in a seating cavity of the support member; and positioning a wick in the receiving container cavity and allowing the wick to protrude therefrom. 